Record-breaking leg lengthening surgery in Vietnam.
After 7 months, Nguyen Van Nam's height increased by 10 cm. This is the most significant height improvement the doctors have ever achieved through surgery.
Despite being only 1.60m tall, Nguyen Van Nam (23 years old, from Hanoi) always felt very insecure and self-conscious. In 2016, Nam went to study abroad in Japan. Seeing many of his peers much taller than him, the young man became increasingly obsessed with his height.
Afterward, Nam began researching leg lengthening surgery. In September 2017, he approached the Orthopedic Trauma Institute at Military Central Hospital 108 in Hanoi to express his wish after receiving his family's approval.
Associate Professor Dr. Le Van Doan, Director of the Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Central Military Hospital 108, shared that after consulting with doctors, Nam decided to defer his studies for a year to undergo leg lengthening surgery.
After a week of intensive clinical and specialized tests to rule out bone and other systemic diseases that would contraindicate limb lengthening, Nam was taken to the operating room to begin his leg lengthening journey.
After surgery to cut the bone, insert pins through the bone ends, and attach an external frame for stretching, Nam's height was gradually increased at a rate of 1 mm per day.
“After 70 days, Nam had grown an additional 7 cm. We still advise patients to stop at this point to minimize complications. However, upon reaching this height, the patient insisted on continuing. After passing the examination and meeting the criteria, Nam continued for another 100 days, with a height increase of 10 cm,” Associate Professor Doan shared.
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| X-ray images taken three months after the cessation of traction and pin fixation on patient Nam. His height increased by 10 cm.Provided by the doctor. |
In February, Nam had the frame and pins removed and could walk normally with the help of crutches. The student returned to Japan to continue his studies after only 7 months.
"This is the case with the most significant height improvement (10 cm), and the patient is also one of the most determined and diligent in their training, so after removing the frame and reattaching the bolts, they were able to walk again," Associate Professor Doan added.
This is the longest leg lengthening procedure ever performed at the Orthopedic Trauma Institute, Military Central Hospital 108. Meanwhile, this unit has the highest number of leg lengthening surgeries performed nationwide.
"Theoretically, leg lengthening can be done to any desired length, according to the patient's needs. However, depending on the specific case, we will advise them on a length that is reasonable and proportionate to their body. In addition, this also helps to minimize complications," Associate Professor Doan said.
Leg lengthening surgery is the only way to improve height for those who have passed their growth years. Regarding the procedure, the expert said that those wishing to improve their height must go through arduous steps and require great perseverance and determination.
The entire process for someone to achieve their desired height takes from six months to a year and costs approximately 60-70 million VND, including the cost of surgery, leg lengthening devices, and medication.
In particular, this method does not affect the lifespan of the person undergoing the procedure, contrary to popular belief. However, after the procedure, the soft tissues (tendons, muscles, nerves, blood vessels, ligaments) may not have adapted to the new situation. Therefore, patients need to undergo rehabilitation. Once the musculoskeletal system is stable and they have practiced well, patients can walk normally.
